We welcome April with open arms. As temps warm and daylight lengthens, we revel in fun outdoor activities. And if a few April showers are expected, the indoor entertainment options are stellar. The challenge will be fitting it all in.
Scroll on to discover the top events for families in Pittsburgh in April.
1. April 6 and 20: Earth Month Celebration, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy hosts two days of Earth Month Celebrations on April 6 at Westinghouse Park and on April 20 at McKinley Park. Both dates will feature fun activities and challenges like lawn games, solar-powered interactives and nature-based crafts. Balloon artists and face painting are part of the festivities, too. The Story Hike: “What Do Roots Do?” by Kathleen V. Kudlinski will teach kids about the hidden and essential parts of trees. All activities are free, but registration is required for some events.
2. April 6, 13, 20, 27: Allegheny County Parks Drive-in Movie Series
Pack the car with snacks, folding chairs and kids for these family films. Set your car radio to 87.9 for audio and settle in for an old-fashioned evening of drive-in movies. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” starts the program on April 6, followed by “Moana” on April 13 and “The Super Mario Brothers Movie” on April 20 – all at the South Park VIP Lot. Hartwood Acres shares the fun with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” screening on April 27. The parking lots open at 6 p.m. with the movie beginning at dusk. Admission is free. Watch for additional dates to be announced in May.
3. April 6-7: “Blizzard,” Byham Theater
This “Blizzard” storms the Byham Theater stage in remarkable ways. Imagine the performers as a group of friends, each as unique as individual snowflakes. Together, they explore the world of a snowstorm through amazing feats of acrobatics, juggling, spinning and roller skating. FLIP Fabrique, professional circus artists from Quebec City, comes to Pittsburgh as part of the Bridge Theater Series. Tickets are just $12.
4. April 8: Eclipse Extravaganza, Kamin Science Center
With schools closing for this cosmic event, plan to spend the day at Kamin Science Center where families can be immersed in all things eclipse. Watch NASA’s live stream of the Path of Totality in the Buhl Planetarium, the Rangos Giant Cinema and BodyStage theater. Works Theater will present “Earth & Friends” for early learners, who will discover the chemistry of space, and “It Came From Outer Space,” a look at tech developed from space exploration. Eclipse-themed demonstrations and activities like building a pinhole projector are scheduled throughout the day. Activities are included with general admission.
5. April 11-28: “Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical,” Little Lake Theatre
Poor Matilda. This brilliant girl loves reading and learning but is stuck with neglectful parents. She attends a school with a mean headmistress and a class full of bullies. But Matilda finds the magic in her life with her imagination — and the power of telekinesis. This production is packed with all the spirited songs and high-energy dance numbers that earned it four Tony Awards. Best for ages 6 and older. Tickets are $15 for ages 18 and younger and $25 for grownups.
6. April 13, May 11: Penny Arcade: Kids Comedy Show, Arcade Theater
Send in the clowns! Kids from 4 to 8 years old who love acting silly will have a blast at this interactive comedy experience. The innovative approach teaches kids the basics of improv and the opportunity to join performers onstage as full-fledged Penny Players. Shy kids will find their place here, too; kids are encouraged to participate at whatever level they feel comfortable. Either way, the hilarity will carry on all the way home. Tickets are $12.
7. April 13: Fascinatin’ Fidd, Heinz Hall
Pittsburgh Symphony’s Fiddlesticks series returns with a look at the music of George Gershwin. PSO Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling will team with the giant cat mascot in presenting catchy tunes to get everyone bouncing in their seats. Arrive an hour early for Discovery Time music appreciation activities, including Katy Williams leading a rendition of the Fiddlesticks theme song. To welcome all, the performance will be American Sign Language interpreted and offer a quiet room, fidgets, noise-canceling headphones and Braille programs. Tickets are $18-$30.
8. April 13-14: “Dog Man: The Musical,” Byham Theater
Few can resist the hilarious charm of Dav Pilkey’s work. He is the madcap author of series like Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. This TheaterWorks USA production brings Pilkey’s “Dog Man” character to life. Best buds George and Harold create the comic book Dog Man, a crime-fighting, furniture-chewing hero with the head of a dog and the body of a man. See if Dog Man will save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish. Presented as part of the Children’s Theater Series. Tickets are $12.
9. April 20: Opening Day, Kennywood Park
With cries of “Kennywood’s open!” kids will be excited to measure their height against Kenny Kangaroo and see how much they’ve grown over the winter. Pittsburgh’s iconic amusement park opens weekends through May 23 when the daily schedule goes into effect. New this year is the Potato Smash, a cheese fries-themed bumper car ride that marks the 50th anniversary of Potato Patch Fries and the park’s bumper cars. Tickets start at $39.99.
10. April 25-28: Yinzerfest, David L. Lawrence Convention Center
It’s all about the Burgh. This family-friendly event brings Yinzers of all ages together for four days of hometown celebration at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Immerse yourself in Pittsburgh culinary delights like pierogies and chipped ham sandwiches. Watch local chef demonstrations, dance to live bands like The Jaggerz and the Mazeroskis, and shop for the Pittsburgh products Yinzers love best. It’s also a chance to see Steel Town legends such as Joe Gruschecky, Scott Blasey, Billy Price and Kenny Blake. Tickets are $18 a day or $60 for a four-day pass. Kids 12 and younger are free.
Bonus events
April 7: Empty Bowls, Rodef Shalom
April 13: Our Own Story Time, Trust Arts Education Center
April 20: Wild Earth Day Festival, Pittsburgh Zoo
April 20: Super Science Saturday: The Stories We Keep, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
April 26-27: “Sesame Street Live: Say Hello,” Benedum Center